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Parties were never Jungkook’s thing. Basic social interaction was never Jungkook’s thing. Yet, here he is, sitting in the Great Hall, hands held together nervously as he purses his lips tightly, barely eating his Christmas ham, oyster stew and mashed potatoes— a wonderful meal provided by the ever bountiful Hogwarts’ kitchens. All around him were students of Hogwarts, Beauxbatons and Durmstrang, intermingling with one another, asking each other to be one another’s dates and feeling giddy at the bubbling puppy love in the air now that they were preparing for the highly anticipated Yule Ball.
The Yule Ball was a formal Christmas celebration, which was held for students of Wizarding schools who participated in the Triwizard tournament which was to be held on December 25. It’s every student’s little Christmas wish, to have a magical night dancing under the changing lights of the Hogwarts’ hall, enjoying the ball with their chosen partner— and well, that is Jungkook’s problem.
He doesn’t have a partner.
He doesn’t want anything to do with the ball to begin with.
But Professor McGonagall had made it very, very clear that every Hogwarts student must be there as it is a once in a lifetime experience for them. Jungkook thinks he’s better off petting the Hungarian Horntail than dance in the ball.
Jungkook flinches as he hears a student behind him ask a Beauxbatons girl nearby if she wanted to be his date. There was a rush of giggling and howling from their respective group of friends and Jungkook— he’s losing his appetite.
Maybe I should’ve just eaten in the dorms or something— He thinks as he stirs his stew solemnly, hearing the claps from the table behind him. No doubt a sign that a new pair as been formed for the ball.
Speaking of pairs, he wonders if Taehyung has asked anybody out— or has been asked himself. The Slytherin has no shortage of fans, especially now that he’s a Hogwarts champion. Jungkook is sure he’s received a few swooning requests from girls from Hogwarts and Beauxbatons and really, why wouldn’t he? Taehyung is handsome, funny, smart and pleasant to be with— the ideal date in all honesty.
And no, this isn’t because Jungkook’s completely biased. Not at all.
Jungkook frowns as his stomach upturns in itself, the Christmas ham looking even more unappetizing now. He sighs, alone in his spot at the long wooden table.
Maybe he can just hide somewhere like Hagrid’s house, hope and pray that Professor McGonagall doesn’t find out of his absence. He’s sure no one will notice. He’s as much of a wallflower as the evergreen climbing plants on the castle walls anyway, would it make any difference?
“Jungkookie?” A velvety deep voice breaks his musings and Jungkook lifts his gaze up from his sad oyster stew to gaze into warm brown eyes, “Why so cold and alone tonight?”
Jungkook gulps as he shifts his gaze back to his ignored dinner, “I-I’m always cold and alone, Taehyung.”
The Slytherin makes an unimpressed noise at the back of his throat and sits across him, carrying a plate full of ham, roasted duck, sweet fruitcake and persimmon pudding. In his other hand, another small dessert plate was a luscious looking slice of chocolate cake. A floating goblet full of apple cider comes trailing after him before landing quietly and safely onto the table beside his utensils. The elder leans forward, his soft blonde hair falling over his forehead as he tilts his head, “Jungkookie, you are the least cold person I know, okay?”
Jungkook doesn’t respond to that statement but rather says, “Why are you eating here with me?”
Taehyung knows the younger male had asked to change the subject but doesn’t say anything about it. Instead, he smiles warmly at him before sliding the plate of chocolate cake towards him.
Jungkook ogles at the desssert, “What is this?”
“Chocolate cake,” Taehyung says as a matter of fact, winking at the younger male’s suspicious glance at him.
“Okay.” Jungkook hums slowly, nodding along as he eyes the cake. “And what did you put in it?”
Taehyung places a hand on his chest, gasping dramatically, almost insulted at the insinuation, “What— I would never, Kookie!”
Jungkook stifles a laugh and a grin, ducking his head as he takes the dessert plate to glance at the exquisitely baked chocolate cake, “It’s just that, you don’t often hand over chocolate cakes here and there, hyung. I can’t help but be suspicious.”
Taehyung pouts before leaning forward, “It’s payment, Kookie.”
“Payment for what?” The black haired male tilts his head, fork by his mouth in thought.
Taehyung smiles, “Your time.”
Jungkook wills with all of his life that his cheeks don’t color an extravagant shade of red after that. This sly Slytherin and his words— “Y-You don’t have to give me anything if you want to talk to me. If anything, I should be the one—“
Taehyung tuts, “None of that now. You’re special, okay? Don’t let anybody, even that little voice in your head, tell you otherwise.”
Jungkook purses his lips and looks into Taehyung’s deep, deep gaze. It was as deep as the Black Lake, as deep as the hidden depths of the Forbidden Forest— it was a gaze that held a lot of hidden meanings, meanings that never failed to tweak Jungkook’s Hufflepuff curiosity.
“Okay, hyung.” Jungkook mumbles, gazing back at him shyly, “Thank you.”
Taehyung smiles back before reaching over to ruffle his floppy black mess of a hair.
“Good boy.”
Oh.
Ohhhh.
Jungkook blushes hard, ducking his head as he takes a forkful of ham in his mouth as a distraction. That wasn’t fair. That wasn’t fair at all, Kim Taehyung!
A moment passes between them as Jungkook tries to chew, chew, chew and chew his ham while Taehyung stares at him— just stares at him. Jungkook’s beginning to feel the ham turn into rubber in his mouth as the elder continues looking at him. He glances back up at the elder, finally manages to swallow heavily and mutters, “Wh-What is it, hyung?”
Taehyung blinks before he nervously shifts in his place, “Nothing— It’s nothing, I just— I just wanted your time, Jungkook.”
Jungkook tilts his head curiously, “Well,” He places his utensils down, “You have my time now. What is it?”
Taehyung clears his throat, “Well, no, it isn’t just your time now that I want—“
Jungkook blinks.
“Ah, you see,” Taehyung rubs the back of his neck, “I was thinking, about the Yule Ball—“
Jungkook feels his hands sweat and his heart beat faster. He isn’t— is he?
Taehyung gazes into the younger male’s wide eyes, a timid expression on his face, “Will you give me some of your time on that night as well, Jungkook?”
Jungkook flinches in his seat, eyes ogling at the other male as if he was just hit by a stupefy spell.
It takes a few moments before it fully dawns on him and the first thing that comes to mind is—
What?
“T-Taehyung—“ Jungkook croaks almost laughing at the joke, because it’s got to be a joke, “What? Wh-What are you saying? This joke is really lame—“
Taehyung frowns, “It— It’s not.”
Jungkook freezes. It’s not? But— “Why?”
The elder blinks and tilts his head, giving the younger male a smile, “What do you mean why? Because I want to go to the ball with you—“
“Wait a— Wait a minute, wait a minute— you can’t— I mean, you shouldn’t go to the ball with me of all people,”
“Why not?” The elder furrows his brows.
Jungkook hisses, “Because I’m me, hyung. I-I’m weird and awkward and I don’t want you going to such an important event with someone who’s not important— like me.”
“ Jungkook, ” Taehyung says, voice stern and expression serious. The younger male pushes his shoulders up to seem smaller, “That’s enough. Stop demeaning yourself like this because it’s not true. You are an incredible person, way better than me— and before you can argue with me on that, hear me out,” He says, lifting a finger to stop the Hufflepuff from uttering another word.
Jungkook purses his lips with a pout.
“Jungkook-ah, I want you to be my date for the Yule Ball. I don’t care what other people think, I don’t care if they start talking bad stuff about me either. All I care is that I get to spend that once in a lifetime night with a person who deserves it the most.”
Jungkook ducks his head, blushing as his heart somersaults in his chest, beating hard against his rib cage like a riot. He’s hit by a rush of emotion and as he gazes back at the elder, he’s close to tears. How could Taehyung easily take his breath away like this? It isn’t fair, it isn’t fair at all!
“So,” The elder leans a little forward and down to chase after his nervous eyes, “What do you say, Jungkook?”
Jungkook’s heart already answers for him.
On the night of the Yule Ball, Jungkook is feeling ten versions of anxiety and nervousness as he puts on the carob colore robes— a hand-me-down from his dad— and fiddling with his lavender tie, brows anxiously curving as he nibbles his bottom lip.
What am I doing? He thinks as he takes a look at himself in the mirror. All dressed fancy and formal. To be The Kim Taehyung’s date.
Kim Taehyung’s date.
Is it too late to back out now?
He slumps, shoulders sagging as he takes one more glance at the mirror before taking a deep breath in and stepping out of the Hufflepuff dorms.
He heads to the Great Hall, which has been converted into a huge and extravagant open space, floating chandeliers and orbs of light with fairy dust designing the ceiling and arches. But he stalls by the stairs, feeling sick upon seeing the crowd of students gathered around.
He clings to a column nearby, head feeling dizzy. Oh, this is bad— so bad...
Maybe it’s still not too late to back out. He can just tell Taehyung he wasn’t feeling well— tell him that he’s grown an ulcer in a span of two minutes—
“Sorry to keep you waiting,”
Jungkook flinches and turns around, breath knocked out of him as Kim Taehyung stands about an arm’s length away from him, dressed in a silk black suit and robes, sleeves garnished with emerald green vine designs. His blonde hair is pushed back and his eyes stare back into his surprised ones with so much warmth and so much... so much— what?
Taehyung tilts his head, “Kookie? Is everything okay?”
Jungkook blinks, cheeks blushing. “I-I— yes— I’m fine, hyung.” He darts his eyes down, hands gripping the ends of his coat, feeling so very out of place. It only dawns on him now how different they both are.
The elder hums, taking a few steps to close the distance between them. “I have something for you,”
Jungkook gasps softly as Taehyung lifts a small flower held between his fingers— a beautiful pale purple Lisianthus, fully bloomed for the world to see.
“I thought it’d suit you tonight,” Taehyung smiles, “Right here,” He reaches over and tucks the flower in Jungkook’s breast pocket.
The younger male’s heart beats faster as he utters a weak thank you, ducking in shame a moment later, “I’m sorry, hyung! I don’t have— I-I mean— I didn’t prepare anything—“
“Hey, no, you don’t have to prepare anything for me.” Taehyung chuckles, bringing a hand up to gently tuck Jungkook’s black hair behind his ear, “It was just my initiative, all right? It isn’t your obligation.”
The Hufflepuff’s heart aches.
Falling in love is a pain.
Taehyung nods his head towards the Great Hall entrance, “Shall we?”
Jungkook almost chokes, “Uh?”
The elder chuckles, taking his hand in his with a fond expression at the bright blush coloring the younger male’s cheeks.
“Come on, honey bee, we’re going to be late.” Taehyung winks, dragging the Hufflepuff with him to the Great Hall, not minding the stares and whispers around them.
Jungkook isn’t doing so well himself as he lowers his head, avoiding eye contact as they enter the hall. He’s already got quite a reputation because of how weird he is and now that he’s acting as a date to Slytherin’s Kim Taehyung— if he could apparate somewhere else, he would. He was so immersed in his thoughts that he didn’t realize the elder had stopped, he continues walking only to bump into Taehyung’s back a moment later.
“Hyung, sorry—“
Taehyung turns around and squeezes his hand, “Jungkook, look at me.”
Jungkook blinks his doe eyes back at him, confused and anxious. Everyone was staring. Everyone was—
“I know you feel scared, nervous even, and I’m sorry for forcing you into this and for being selfish,” He gives the younger male a look to prevent him from interrupting him before continuing, “So, for now, pleas just look at me. Don’t look at anybody or anything else, Jungkook, because tonight, like any other nights— I’ve got my eyes on you and you alone.”
Jungkook purses his lips, cheeks pink as he parts his lips, hand trembling in Taehyung’s hold, “Tae—“
The elder gives him his boxy grin and Jungkook—
Jungkook is so in love.
“Okay,” He says softly, breathing in and giving the elder a small smile, “Okay, hyung. Thank you.”
After that, things flow smoothly. They enjoy the rest of the party as Taehyung leads him to the buffet table, sneaking bites of hors d'oeuvres and sharing different glasses of liquid concoctions they both had come up with from the hundred flavors of juices available. They had also met a couple of Taehyung’s friends once in a while and an occasional fangirl of the elder’s, but Taehyung smoothly handled them all and made sure Jungkook didn’t feel awkward about everything.
Jungkook feels a little lighter now, more energetic and happy and Taehyung springs to life like a snake shedding its old skin at seeing the little bun giggling and having a good time.
At one point, Taehyung moves to the center of the hall for a moment, seeing as he was a Hogwarts’ Champion, for the opening dance. He was dancing with a Slytherin girl from the same year who went solo that night— saving Jungkook from too much exposure. Watching from the sidelines, he smiles at seeing the elder dance to the tune perfectly. After that, Taehyung says his thanks to his fellow Slytherin and returns to Jungkook’s side.
“Aren’t you going to keep dancing, Tae? I’m sure there are a lot more girls who would want to dance with you.” Jungkook asks, taking the goblet of apple cider the elder offers him.
Taehyung takes a sip of his own drink before his eyes land to the younger male, “And leave my date alone? No thank you— besides, I wouldn’t want any bugs around you tonight.”
Bugs? Jungkook cocks an eyebrow, “What? What do you mean?”
Taehyung smirks behind his goblet, “Oh, nothing, Kookie.” He says before leaning to whisper by his ear, “You look wonderful, by the way.”
It takes a few seconds for Jungkook to process but when it does, he splutters out a weird noise and pushes the elder back, a blushing mess. Taehyung laughs fondly at his cute expression.
Of course, it doesn’t dawn on him how good he looks. Taehyung thinks as he gazes at his date. Jungkook had abandoned his round glasses tonight, his pretty Bambi eyes visible for the world to see; his dark brown robes fitted his body well and the hint of purple accentuates and brings everything together. He knows Jungkook is a pretty boy hidden behind his insecurities and shy personality but he’s happy to see him like this— beautiful and all his for the night.
The elder hums, taking a sip as he glances past Jungkook where he catches a couple of Durmstrang boys checking him out. One cold look from the elder though causes them to pull back and turn away.
No bugs tonight. He thinks, smiling back to Jungkook’s direction when he asks if everything was all right.
They see Hagrid in the crowd but chooses to give him space as they see him trying to woo Beauxbatons’ Headmistress, giggling between themselves at the scene.
Then the music shifts and Jungkook glances to the center where students have gathered, no longer restricted to the formal routine Professor McGonagall taught them but rather letting the teenage energy build up and explode. The lights from the ceiling melt into different colors and the younger male is left in awe.
A hand enclosing his catches his attention and Jungkook turns to see Taehyung leaning closer to him, a sparkle in his eye and a grin on his face, once again catching the younger male off guard.
“Come on, bun. I know dancing isn’t your thing,” Taehyung tugs him to a free balcony, away from the crowd. They slip quickly, nobody really bothering to spare them a glance now that the party was reaching its peak.
Jungkook’s airy giggles echo into the night as they reach the open space, the skies glittering with stars now that the clouds have cleared.
The two settle comfortably beside each other, gazing at the forest beyond the castle, the skies and the nature around them— it was a peace that Jungkook wanted to last forever.
“Enjoying yourself, Jungkook?” The elder asks after basking in the silence for a while, turning his head to gaze at the younger male, smiling warmly at the sight of those big eyes staring at the midnight skies.
“Yes, hyung.” Jungkook smiles back, cheeks flushed rosy pink from the fun, “I-I really— thank you.”
Taehyung tilts his head, “Thank you?”
Jungkook clears his throat, “It’s just— I never would have thought someone would want to go to the ball with me. So—”
The elder hums, taking a step closer, “So, it’s only right to take you out myself tonight.”
Jungkook blinks, “Hyung?”
It’s almost time . The elder thinks.
Taehyung places a hand on the small of his back, earning a small flinch from the younger male and doesn’t miss the way his cheeks turn pinker. The elder smirks, guiding him to look up at the skies again.
“What—“
“Tonight is special, Kookie.”
Jungkook was about to ask what he means but a small streak crosses the night sky, catching his eye. Before he could process what it was, another one crosses the black to blue space and another and another and another— suddenly, there was a shower of bright falling sparks of light, falling stars dripping from the skies like the moon’s fresh tears. The black skies are now illuminated by the meteor shower raining down before them.
It was a sight to behold and it left Jungkook speechless.
Taehyung looks from the shining skies to the younger male beside him, smiling warmly at the sight before him—
Glitters and star dust are being reflected on those beautiful doe eyes, full of wonder and awe, of innocent and pure charm more captivating than Pixie dust. Jungkook was not only nature— he was also Taehyung’s entire universe.
And he was more beautiful than any meteor shower that blesses the earth throughout its entire lifetime.
“Hyung,” Jungkook sounds overwhelmed, breathless and it leaves Taehyung out of breath too as he turns to face him, his face glowing like Polaris had touched him, “It’s beautiful.”
Taehyung chuckles, full of fondness at the cute Fifth Year, “I know, Jungkook—“ And he looks back to the euphoria all over the younger male’s face.
Taehyung sighs, absolutely in love. “It really is.”
“You didn’t have to walk me back to the common room.” Jungkook shyly says as they make their way down a corridor before stopping just right before the large still life, forming the entrance of the Hufflepuff common room.
“Isn’t it common courtesy to see your date home?” Taehyung smirks before chuckling softly at the way the younger male’s eyes widen slowly, cheeks turning redder by the minute.
“Ah— I s-suppose?” Jungkook stammers, laughing nervously, scratching the back of his head.
Taehyung smiles, a strange surge of confidence taking over him as he closes the distance between them, bringing the younger male in his arms gently, taking in the scent of his dorm room, the sunlight and fresh air.
Jungkook blinks in surprise, held close in Taehyung’s arms. His heart is hammering like crazy in his chest that he’s sure the elder can feel it and oh god— he can feel it! How embarrassing!
Taehyung pulls back and brushes his knuckles at Jungkook’s cheek, “I’m truly happy that you went to the ball with me, Jungkook.” He says softly, committing to memory the way Jungkook’s eyes shimmer like fallen meteorites.
Jungkook stammers, “I-I—“ He tries to bring his hand up to take Taehyung’s hand, wants him to feel what he’s feeling, but it brushes against the flower still in his breast pocket, surprising him. “Oh,”
“Ah,” Taehyung gently picks the flower, hoping their little embrace didn’t squish it. He places it in between his fingers and twirls it, humming as he recalls something, “I picked this out for you, you know?”
“What?” Jungkook blinks, staring at the little blossom, entranced by its purple shade.
Taehyung chuckles, “You know what it means?” Jungkook shakes his head, “The Lisianthus is a flower given to someone with whom you want to show your gratitude and appreciation to and also—“
Taehyung presses a soft kiss on a petal before tucking it behind Jungkook’s ear, leaving the younger male frozen. The elder smiles warmly, leaning forward to whisper, “It also means a joining of a lifelong bond.”
Jungkook breathes in a breath and looks back to Taehyung’s warm gaze.
The elder moves his hand down, places it behind his neck and squeezes gently.
“Good night, Jungkook.” He says softly before pulling away and walking back towards the main hallways. “Dream of me tonight, okay?” He calls with a wave of his hand.
Jungkook is left alone, rooted to his spot for a good minute before he realizes how long he’s been standing there, staring blankly at nothing. He mechanically makes his way towards the common room, heads to his chambers where he falls on the floor. A crumpled mess, kneeling with his face in his hands, a complete disaster of heartbeats and tightly pulled heartstrings.
His cheeks hurt. His chest hurts. His whole body hurts. Everything hurts.
Kim Taehyung.
He gently pulls the flower from behind his ear and cradles it in his hands, cradling it like it was his very own heart.
Like a meteor shower, the elder once again takes his breath away and leaves him restless in a split second, but the effect and the impact it has on him—
Well, it lasts a lifetime.